Cardinals ace Chris Carpenter will undergo another battery tests this week on the nerves in his right shoulder, a process that should clear the righthander take the next step in his recovery, general manager John Mozeliak described this afternoon.

If everything checks out fine, Carpenter could be allowed to begin a throwing program in seven days.

The 36-year-old was placed on the DL just before the start of the regular season with nerve irritation around his right shoulder and leading up to his neck. He’s unlikely to return before mid-to-late May. Lance Lynn, who tossed 6 2/3 innings of one-run, two-hit ball on Sunday against the Brewers, will continue to fill in.

If Carp is healthy by late May and can return to form, the delay to season start for him may be a blessing in disguise. All those innings he logged last year can take a toll. Rather have him out in the Spring and strong down the stretch, and it gives Lynn a chance to prove himself, gain confidence, and ready himself if another starter goes down.